ANOKA, Minn. – (July 16, 2015) – The trial for Adam Lilienthal (pictured) began Tuesday morning at Anoka County District Court. Last summer Lilienthal allegedly set his roommate, Scott Yorek on fire after reporting threats of violence from Yorek. Allegedly, Lilienthal poured gasoline over him while he was on his bed talking on the phone and then proceeded to light him on fire.
After this, Lilienthal left in his truck, and Yorek removed his burning clothes and fled the house. He collapsed outside and a neighbor called 911. After being taken to the emergency room for treatment, Yorek died two days later. Lilienthal’s defense attorney has stated that it can not be proved with evidence that he is guilty.
UPDATE ON STORY – (July 23, 2015)
Adam John Lilienthal, 30, Andover was convicted by a jury today in Anoka County District Court of 4 counts of first degree murder in the death of a 55 year old man who had been renting a room from Lilienthal. There was tension between the two men and Lilienthal became angry at the victim. Lilienthal retrieved some gasoline from his garage, poured it over the victim while he was laying on his bed, and set the victim on fire. Lilienthal then fled where he was arrested by St. Louis County deputies near a cabin Lilienthal owned in Orr, Minnesota. The victim died from his burns several hours later.
The investigation was coordinated by the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office and the Anoka County Fire Investigative Team, which is a collaboration between fire officials, including Andover Fire Chief Jerry Streich, and law enforcement.
“This was an extremely cruel act by Lilienthal causing horrible injuries to the victim” stated Tony Palumbo, Anoka County Attorney. “The excellent investigation by law enforcement and the Fire Investigation Team, as well as the great work done by Assistant County Attorneys Wade Kish and Robert Goodell, led to the justice in this case. We believe the jury finding of first degree, premeditated murder was well supported by the facts in this case.”
